Police are investigating Clares Rocket's disappearance, but currently have no leads in the case (stock image)

The family told the Racing Post they are “very distressed” by the theft.

Mr Holland said: “We have no news as yet.”

While police currently have no leads as to who took the greyhound, or where the two-year-old hound could be, chairman of the Irish Greyhound Board, Phil Meaney, confirmed the investigation is underway.

He said: “It is now being dealt with by the Garda authorities and it is out of our hands for the moment.”

Clares Rocket was among the leading fancies for next year's English Greyhound Derby.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368.